Do You Believe in Miracles?

People have always been inspired by the underdog. Stories of those who, in the face of defeat, overcame insurmountable odds. These tales have the ability to transcend generations. From The Tortoise and the Hare, to David and Goliath, to this surfer-bro who shocked the academic world, we all love a good underdog story.

In sports, there’s nothing better than watching a person or a team prove the world wrong. It’s one of the reasons we love to watch. Unlikely heroes, incredible comebacks and unfathomable upsets.

We each have our favorite underdog stories. In pictures, here are my top 10:

10. Rudy

We’ve all seen the movie. Goosebumps every time.

9. Kurt Warner

After being cut from Packers camp in 1994, Kurt Warner was bagging groceries for $5.50 an hour. Just a few years later, Kurt found himself hoisting the Lombardi Trophy as Superbowl XXXIV MVP.

8. 2007 New York Giants

Pictured above, “The Catch”, as Giants fans like to call it, really says it all. Some of you may think I’m crazy listing this as a favorite. But don’t forget, I love pain.

7. Jim Abbott

This guy pitched in the majors with one arm. Are you kidding me?! I don’t care what uniform he’s wearing. The image above shows him just after hurling a no-no in 1993.

6. Rulon Gardner

In the 2000 Sydney Olympics Rulon matched up with Alexander Karelin of Russia. Known as Alexander the Great, Karelin had won three straight golds and was undefeated in 13 years of competition. But guess who won?

5. 1983 N.C. State Basketball

In one of the biggest upsets and best finishes in March Madness history, Jimmy V’s Wolfpack took down Houston’s “Phi Slamma Jamma”.

4. Tom Brady

In 2000 Tom Brady was drafted in the 6th round as the 199th overall pick. I was the only one that believed in him.

3. 2004 ALCS

After being down 3-0 to the Yankees, it was one stolen base that changed history and made for one of the best comebacks of all time.

2. 1980 U.S. Hockey

“Do you believe in miracles?! YES!”

1. 2001 Patriots

The 2001 Patriots are the ultimate underdog team. With some scrub named Tom Brady at the helm, and 14 point underdogs in the Superbowl, no one believed in them. Except of course for themselves. I’ll introduce them to the Spogoblog just as they were introduced at the Superbowl — as a TEAM.

It is great to be reminded of these heroes in sports. It leads us to think of heroes (mostly unsung) who exist all around us. They quietly live out their lives with courage and a bit of humor, which never hurt anyone. Keep writing.